Some Docs Down Under Campaign to Ban Pharma Sales Reps

By

Ed Silverman

Oct 10, 2014 4:06 pm ET

Some doctors down under are launching a campaign to keep pharmaceutical sales reps at bay. Concerned about the potential that sales pitches may have on prescribing patterns, they are calling their effort ‘No Advertising, Please.’ And they are asking colleagues to pledge not to see sales reps and to display a sign testifying to that effect.

“I truly believe that, all else being equal, a patient is better of seeing a doctor who doesn’t see drug reps,” says Justin Coleman, a doctor behind the campaign. “Doctors who see reps tend to prescribe less according to the accepted guidelines and more with the rep who just had lunch with them.